Future of CPEC is very bright says Shah Mahmood Qureshi

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has rejected the impression that there would be any stoppage of trade between Pakistan and China in the wake of coronavirus pandemic.

Radio Pakistan reported that in an interview to Global Times in Beijing, he said the two great nations have maintained transport and trade links despite outbreak of virus.

About impact of the pandemic on the construction of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the foreign Minister said there is a temporary dip.

However, expressed hope that CPEC future very bright not only for both the countries but for the entire region as well.

He said, China had shared its experience in combating the deadly coronavirus with Pakistan and had sent teams to assess the situation and provided testing kits in thousands.

Positive approach

Earlier Shah Mahmood Qureshi in a news conference said Pakistan offered all kinds of assistance and cooperation to the Chinese leadership.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi said government is sending prepared food to the students in China.

He said the government has to face criticisms and tackle the coronavirus situation bravely.

He added its the responsibility of the government to apprise the nation regarding measures taken to counter the pandemic.

Shah Mahmood said Chinese government took extraordinary steps to contain the virus and the Pakistani government will also have to follow those measures.

The foreign minister maintained, “We could not let the country’s economy destroy due to the situation and will make efforts to come out of the crisis.”

“We need to adopt a positive approach to monitor the situation and move forward.” He said, “We do not have to panic face challenges with determination.”

The FM pointed out that social distancing and other measures are essential to protect our family and friends. “We have to take coordinated efforts to fight the coronavirus pandemic.”

Earlier, after returning from his two-day trip to China, Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that he has decided to isolate himself as a precaution for a few days due to the coronavirus.

The FM said that once he landed in China, the Chinese officials took a blood test which both came back negative. He further said after the meeting with President Xi Jinping, another test conducted the results of which have not come yet.